This summer, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre invites audiences on an out-of-this-world journey with the world premiere of Hometown, a new puppet musical inspired by a story from renowned author and artist Shaun Tan. Opening on January 6 at the Ellie Eaton Theatre, Claremont Showground, Hometown promises an unforgettable exploration of family, identity, and belonging set against Tan’s signature imaginative landscapes.
Building on nearly two decades of acclaimed adaptations — The Arrival, Tales from Outer Suburbia, Rules of Summer, and Aqua Sapiens — Hometown marks Spare Parts’ latest creative collaboration with Shaun Tan. Known for its masterful approach to bringing Shaun’s intricate worlds and powerful themes to life, Spare Parts is set to give this tradition a musical twist, blending puppetry with original songs that transport audiences of all ages into his dreamlike universe.
Artistic Director of Spare Parts, Philip Mitchell described Hometown as “a wildly imaginative journey” that transports audiences into a magical, dreamlike world of extraordinary creatures and awe-inspiring landscapes.
“This show is set in a world that feels both alien and strangely close to home,” he said. “At its heart, it’s a story about family, love, and the unshakeable desire to belong, which transcends boundaries of age and imagination.”
Shaun Tan shared his excitement about the show, noting its mix of humour, thought-provoking moments, and touches of mystery.
“Hometown is a story about a girl who meets a boy — except that the girl lives on an alien planet and has been raised by some very strange creatures,” he said. “She has no idea what ‘a boy’ is — let alone a human being! Slowly, it dawns on her that maybe she isn’t who she thought she was, after all.”
“Ultimately, Hometown invites you to ponder what it means to belong, to question what it is to be ‘normal’, and to discover your own identity — no matter what other people think” he said.
Brought to life by the award-winning creative team behind the smash hit, The One Who Planted Trees, Hometown is Spare Parts’ latest venture into the world of puppet musicals. A treat for the whole family, Hometown encourages viewers to reflect on their own sense of belonging in a world where home can sometimes feel worlds away.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS
Don’t miss the world premiere of Hometown!
Tickets for Hometown are available here.
All media enquiries to
John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 media@sppt.com.au
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Adapting Writers: Amberly Cull & Nick Pages Oliver
Director: Philip Mitchell
Composer: Melanie Robinson
Designer: Leon Hendroff
Sound Designer: Lee Buddle
Musicians: Iain Grandage, Karl Florisson
Lighting Designer: Megan Fitzgerald
Performers: Bec Bradley, Nick Pages-Oliver, Amberly Cull